Traversing the rift: A review of the evolution of the West and Central African Rift System and its economic potential

Abstract

The Cretaceous to recent West and Central African Rift System is a major geological feature in Africa, extending 4000 km from the west to the east. Its formation is related to the breakup of Gondwana and the separation of Africa from South America, during which a complex network of extensional, wrench and pull-apart basins formed. These basins can be separated into two coeval rift sub-systems, the West African Rift System and the Central African Rift System. Both systems are genetically related but are physically separated and show significant structural as well as sedimentological differences. However, despite its great importance for the history of the African continent, our understanding of its origins and evolution is limited due to a scarcity of geophysical and sedimentological data. In this review paper, we examine the sedimentary and igneous basin-fill of the major West and Central African Rift System basins using literature data from the previous five decades. We analyse basin evolution, sequence stratigraphy, changing environmental and palaeoclimatic conditions, and economic aspects of the basins. Furthermore, we address future needs and challenges in research and collaboration between academia and industry to better understand the vast economic potential of the West and Central African Rift System basins. Ultimately, our findings shed light on the complicated geological history of the West and Central African Rift System and offer vital insights for future research and development in the region.